Are we talking “ghost town” here? When do we get the people back?
Does this make sense to you?
New Zealand has a population of 5.1 million. Since the beginning of the pandemic, New Zealand has reported 2,698 COVID cases… with 26 deaths. Yes, we said 26.
In a year and a half, how many people in New Zealand die from other causes? Cancer, heart disease, auto accidents, accidents in the home, etc. Surely more than 26.
Nevertheless, the prime minister has extended the national lockdown (https://www.ntd.com/new-zealand-extends-nationwide-lockdown-as-criticism-over-strategy-mounts_664701.html).
Everyone must stay home. Physical contact will be allowed only among “those in their household bubble.” Bubble? They’re living in bubbles?
Businesses and schools will be closed, “only essential services” will remain operational. And no international travelers will be allowed to enter the country for the rest of 2021.
The new lockdown rules are to remain in force until midnight of August 29. Unless they change their minds and extend them again.
Is this response proportional to the stimulus? Come on–really? Or is it hyper-humanists shooting for a goal of “zero COVID”? They’ll give us an earthly paradise if they have to shove it down our throats and choke us.
Do we submit–all for our own good, of course!–or does the government wind up losing the consent of the governed? How much “safety” is too much?